My God, I thank Thee! may no thought

E’er deem Thy chastisements severe;

But may this heart, by sorrow taught,

Calm each wild wish, each idle fear.

Thy mercy bids all nature bloom;

The sun shines bright, and man is gay;

Thine equal mercy spreads the gloom

That darkens o’er his little day.

Full many a throb of grief and pain

Thy frail and erring child must know;

But not one prayer is breathed in vain,

Nor does one tear unheeded flow.

Thy various messengers employ;

Thy purposes of love fulfil;

And, ’mid the wreck of human joy,

Let kneeling faith adore Thy will.